Spider Holster Review

Recently I began a search for a more comfortable way to carry camera equipment around on walks and shoots. Since I have two Nikon D700 bodies and prefer to minimize lens changes in the field, I end up carrying both bodies, one on a strap and the other in a sling bag. Carrying a D700 with even a mid sized lens for the better part of a day was putting a strain on my neck and I was looking for something to make life easier.

After much careful deliberation and research I decided on the Spider Pro Dual Camera Holster System. This is a belt based system that allows the camera(s) to hang off the hip(s). This not only lowers the center of gravity but leaves the upper body completely free of any weight.

You can read the details about the system on their website so this review will focus on my experience.

The Single Camera System has an integrated pad on the right side and comes installed with the required hardware. The Dual Camera System is basically a Single Camera System with a separate pad and hardware that needs to be installed on the left side. It took me a bit longer than necessary because I did not look up the online instructions (none were included). I basically figured it out through trial and error but it should not have been that difficult.

Once everything was in place I tried it on and with both cameras hanging off the belt it seemed very comfortable, providing complete range of motion. I tried a few placements but the most useful for me was on the outside of the hips. All that was left was a field trial.

That opportunity came this past weekend when I went to the Pittsburgh Comicon. So as not to appear overzealous, I only took one camera body with a flash and an extra lens in a messenger bag. With the camera hanging off my right hip I walked around the convention center without a worry. When I needed to use the camera it was a simple one-two and I was ready to shoot. Replacing the camera in the holster was a simple one-handed slide and click. During or after the few hours I spent there, I felt no fatigue or stress on my upper body.

At the end of the visit, the only hitch I found was I could not sit in the car with the holster in place (even without the camera) due to the length of the pads. But it was only a matter of taking the holster off and I was good to go.

So if you are in the market for a new way to carry your camera(s) I highly recommend this device.